THE SEVEN CATHOLIC SACRAMENTS
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments.
The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and object, they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called "sacraments of faith." The sacraments impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God rightly, and to practice charity.
Baptism
At least one godparent must be a registered and practicing Catholic. The godparent will need a letter from their parish if not a member of Divine Mercy. Families seeking Baptism should be registered in the parish. Parents are asked to call the Parish Office and schedule a meeting with Fr. John Giel and Liz Carmen. They are asked to watch an online video series which they can access at divinemercyfl.formed.org. Then search for the four part series called "Reborn". Upon completing the videos and the necessary paperwork, the date can be scheduled. Baptisms will be scheduled with Liz Carmen (no baptisms take place during Lent).
Adults wishing to receive Holy Baptism for the first time must attend OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions. For more information please contact Liz Carmen at carmene@divinemercychurch.org or ext.118
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. If you are interested in receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist please contact Liz Carmen at carmene@divinemercychurch.org or ext.118
Confirmation & First Communion
Children second grade and older, wanting to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion should be attending Religious Education Classes. Confirmation requires they be in 8th grade. Attendance in Religious Education Program is required to receive Sacraments. For More Information please click below contact Danielle Cardamone at dcardamone@divinemercychurch.org or ext.117.
Matrimony (Marriage)
Marriage is a covenant relationship (I will love you unconditionally), and NOT just a contractual one (I will love you IF you love me).
The principal goal of marriage is not just pro-creation, it is also the mutual love of husband and wife. The Sacrament of Marriage has an important community dimension, couples by their love for each other, become living signs of how God loves us. Marriage assures a couple's ability to sustain an intimate relationship. Marriage assumes a relationship to Christ and His Church.
Documents that will be required:
- Baptismal Certificates that need to have been issued within 6 months of the proposed wedding date.
- Witness statements concerning the freedom to marry. These are provided by the Parish.
For more information and help beginning the process please contact Carol Knouse at knousec@divinemercychurch.org or ext.119.
Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
To request a priest to administer the anointing sacrament, please contact Lynne Pritts at lynne@divinemercychurch.org or ext.120.
Holy Orders
From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way.
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.